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But here's a radical idea: how about going against the conventional belief that every teenager needs and deserves a state-of-the-art smartphone with a $150/mo. data plan, and a car of their own? The day is coming when few in the US will be able to afford these kinds of indulgences anyway; why raise your kids with false expectations of an affluent future most of them won't be able to enjoy?

Manual transmissions will be coming back into vogue. Not only does a manual provide better gas mileage, a new car with a manual costs much less. Manuals are a must for sports coupes, muscle cars and even small, fun cars like the new FIAT 500. It is amazing how few auto theives can now manage to drive a stick. Mostly, shifting is fun! Shifting makes one a more accurate driver. I cannot eat ice cream cones, talk on the phone or do much of anything but drive with a manual. Driving is fun, get a manual for your new car!